The engine stopped while driving. Several times the engine stopped on red light. The last time was today 09/11/2008. I know there is a recall on the 2002 model related to the same problem. In some way 2003 owners will benefit for the same or similar recall?

- Palm Springs, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While driving 60 mph, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle hesitated as if it were about to shut off. While accelerating, the vehicle would hesitate as well. The dealer stated that there was a recall on the 2002, 2005, and 2006 Nissan Altima's, but none pertaining to the 2003 model. They also stated that they were aware of the crankshaft failures, but there was no recall on the 2003 model; therefore, they could not assist. The failure mileage was 58,000 and current mileage was 84,000.

- East Orange, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While driving 40 mph, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer made the necessary repairs to the sensors to make the light dim. When the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for routine brake maintenance, it was discovered that the undercarriage of the vehicle was rusted. The contact was hesitant to touch the vehicle due to the amount of rust and feared that something would fail. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 98,000. Updated 01/09/09. Updated 01/09/09.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

The car seems to not start once it ran for a short time. Example I drive to the supermarket turns on fine, once I leave it is hard to start. Almost seem to be flooded. It use to do it once a week know its doing it everyday. Just recently I was driving and it turned off on me. From the Nissan blogs it looks like this year has been giving problems. Another complain is the exterior lights they are faded or stain from inside, this could cause a visibility issue.

- Casa Grande, AZ, USA

2003 Nissan Altima 2.5. purchased used on 12/31/06 from Nissan dealer. On multiple occasions the car has stalled either whille driving at low speeds or while in gear while idling in traffic. On 8/14/08 about a mile into a trip, I turned a corner after stopping and the car began to sputter & buck. I could not accelerate and the car died in heavy traffic. I was able to restart the car and get into a parking lot. I was able to get the car started again but it would die if I got under 1500 RPM and would not accelerate past 2000 RPM. I found out that day that there had been a recall on 2003 2.5 Altima's for the crankshaft sensor, but Nissan says my car was not part of the recall. I think it's very odd that I've had the same issue as described in the recall of other 2003 Altima's but Nissan declines to accept any responsibility for a known dangerous problem.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

My Nissan 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5V6 has shut down and locked up while driving. This has occurred twice in the past 6 months. The last time it occurred was approximately July 20, 2008. Both times it has occurred, I pressed the brake prior to it shutting down. The steering and engine shut off in each instance and I could've been in an accident. Afterwards I put the vehicle in park, restart the engine and continue to drive. I have read other posts that claim they have had the same problem.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. After pulling out of a parking space at an unknown speed, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several attempts. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and they informed her that it would be best to take the vehicle to the dealer so they could reprogram the ECM. The mechanic also provided her with a recall letter identifying the defect. The dealer informed the contact that the repairs under the recall had previously been performed. They further stated that they would make the check engine light dim, but if it was the crankshaft sensor, the repairs would remedy the failure. The recal number was unknown. The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage was 130,000.

- Brewton, AL, USA

In October of 2006, I had a problem the craft shaft position sensor on my 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. the dealership replaced the sensor at no cost. It is August 2008, and once again this code is coming up. I was just informed that there is a recall on this part for all 2002 and 2003 Nissan Altima.

- Springfield, NJ, USA

I own a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 sl. The throttle position sensor is going out on the car. The car can be started but not accelerate. I push down on the gas and the car will not move or make a sound.

- Fresno, CA, USA

In August 2007, my 2003 Nissan Altima began to hesitate while driving. The check engine light came on. The light remained on for a few days and the car continued to hesitate while driving. It stalled at a traffic light in the middle of Washington, D.C., so I took it to the shop once I got it started. On Aug. 7, 2007, the dealer replaced the crank position sensor. On May 29, 2008, my car needed new brakes. A 100-point inspection was performed, and no other problems were found. About a week later, the check engine light came on. But dealer said it would likely go off and it wasn't a problem. A couple of weeks later, the car began to hesitate while driving (jumping, etc.) on July 23, the car again stalled while at a stop light at rush hour in Washington, D.C. after several tries, the car restarted. On July 24, 2008, the dealer again said that the crank position sensor that needed to be replaced. I asked about recall number 06V242000, but dealer said that did not apply to crank, only ECM. Now have spent $600 to have same problem fixed in 10 months.

- Washington, DC, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While idling at a stop sign, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle shut off. The dealer stated that there was a safety recall, but her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 06V242000 (engine and engine cooling). The current and failure mileages were 70,110. Updated 09/16/08 update 09/18/08.

- Goochland, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While starting the ignition, the service engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The engine lost power and shut off on one occassion. The vehicle was restarted and then taken to an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the failure was related to the crank sensor. Currently, the vehicle is being repaired at the authorized dealer for the crank sensor. The failure and current mileages were 75,000. Updated 09/16/08. Updated 09/18/08.

- Woodland, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. On July 3, 2008, while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began moving slowly and the check engine light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic and they identified the cause of the failure as the crankshaft position sensor. There is no recall available; therefore, the crankshaft sensor and radiator will be replaced at the cost of $815. The current and failure mileages were 32,955. Updated 09/10/08 updated 09/19/08.

- Waterbury, CT, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but it hesitated. She thought it was due to a drained battery. When she finally got the vehicle to start, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle failed its emissions test due to the check engine light. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 06V242000 (engine and engine cooling) in June of 2007. The crank position sensor was reprogrammed at that time. The contact was concerned that because the dealer only reprogrammed, instead of completely repairing the failure, she would have to continue paying for the reprogramming annually. The current and failure mileages were approximately 79,000. Updated 07/29/08. Updated 07/29/08

- Hixson, TN, USA

The engine light periodically flashed on/off. We had the car serviced at a Nissan dealer which cost $1000. 3 months later, we spent $300. Finally,2 months later the motor goes out and we spend $5000 to replace it in a car less than 4yrs old(bought brand new -not a used vehicle). Furthermore, the car would just slow down and stop periodically(no matter if you were on the interstate or not).

- Memphis, TN, USA

Car suddenly dies while driving down street or highway. Will not start. Nissan has acknowledged this problem as a crankshaft/camshaft sensor problem and recalled 2002 and some 2003 models. However they are excluding other 2003 models that exhibit the same problems.

- Madison, MS, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. Since the vehicle was purchased in 2002, the contact has smelled an unusual odor. The oil level was consistently low whenever he would take the vehicle in for a routine oil change. Recently, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto garage for a diagnosis and they stated that the catalytic converter failed. On June 12, 2008, the check oil light illuminated and the vehicle underwent a routine oil change. The manufacturer stated that there were no open recalls. The contact will take the vehicle to the dealer for repair. The failure mileage was 1,000 and current mileage was 101,000.

- Bronx, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the interstate. The contact managed to pull off the road and have the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer repaired the crank position sensor and the camshaft sensor at the cost of $373.57. The dealer also reprogrammed the ECM as stated in NHTSA campaign id number 06V242000 (engine and engine cooling). The current mileage was 67,976 and failure mileage was 62,924. Updated 06/16/08

- Olean, NY, USA

1. the failing of the engine was sudden and unexpected. 2. symptoms and diagnosed problem were identical to NHTSA recall id #03V4550. 3. the failed part ("crankshaft position sensor") was replaced.

- Mechanicville, NY, USA

2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 died unexpected while driving. Dealer says crankshaft sensor, and not warranted. Repeated problem for Nissan and not taking responsibility.

- Clermont, FL, USA